Challenges Faced by Nikki Haley: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Nikki Haley's life and career.

Nikki Haley is an American politician and diplomat. She served as the 116th governor of South Carolina from 2011 to 2017 and as the 29th U.S. ambassador to the United Nations from 2017 to 2018. As a Republican, she is the first Indian American to serve in a presidential cabinet. Notably, she was a candidate in the 2024 Republican Party presidential primaries, marking her continued involvement in national politics.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

June 8, 2010: Republican Gubernatorial Primary

On June 8, 2010, Nikki Haley received 49% of the vote in the Republican gubernatorial primary, forcing a runoff election.

2010: Gubernatorial Race

In 2010, Vincent Sheheen of the Democratic Party ran against Haley.

2011: Start of Haley's gubernatorial term

In 2011, Nikki Haley began her term as governor, during which she vetoed 50 bills, with 24 of them being overridden by the state legislature.

June 2015: Confederate Flag Controversy

Before June 2015, Nikki Haley supported flying the Confederate flag on the statehouse grounds, but later called for its removal following the Charleston church shooting.

2015: Response to Charleston Church Shooting

In 2015, as governor, Nikki Haley received national attention for leading South Carolina's response to the Charleston church shooting.

2016: Endorsement of Primary Opponent

In 2016, Nikki Haley endorsed Hugh Leatherman's primary opponent during her second term.

June 2017: Haley violates the Hatch Act

In June 2017, Nikki Haley violated the Hatch Act by retweeting Trump's endorsement of Ralph Norman.

October 2017: Haley reprimanded for Hatch Act violation

In October 2017, the federal Office of Special Counsel determined that Nikki Haley had violated the federal Hatch Act in June 2017 by retweeting Trump's endorsement of Ralph Norman.

2018: Ethics Accusations Arise After Haley's Resignation

In 2018, after Haley's resignation as U.N. ambassador was announced, CREW accused her of accepting luxury private plane trips as gifts, which she listed on a financial disclosure, claiming they were not ethics violations. Other theories include her college-age children, family finances, and intention to take a break, which Haley conveyed to Trump six months before she resigned.